IT was a case of last call for the crocks as the Town party prepared to set sail for the Isle of Wight this morning.

Andy King's preparations for the clash with Newport have not been helped with Andy Gurney (groin), Matt Heywood (thigh), Matt Hewlett (knee), Eric Sabin (thigh) and Stefani Miglioranzi all carrying knocks.

The latter is still feeling the effects of a gash to the leg he received during the pre-season trip to Southport.

None of the injuries are desperately serious and all are expected to figure against Hereford United on Tuesday but the Town boss, acting on the advice of physio Dick Mackey, is well aware that today's niggle can become tomorrow's long term problem.

King said: "At the moment, I'm not sure what team I will be able to put out.

"It is purely an exercise to get match fitness but to do that you need fit players. It's not exactly ideal. But I'm not going to risk anyone at this stage."

King hoped Sam Parkin would make the trip although an agreement with Chelsea for the player's services has still to be agreed.

Although today's game was earmarked as a first team game, King will use it as a chance to have another look at a couple of hopefuls.

The Town boss said: "Partly because we are short on bodies and partly because I want to have another look at them, Chris Kamara will play some part in the game as will Darren Dykes, a striker from Buckingham Town who played against Didcot on Wednesday night.

"Dykes will play with a view to perhaps joining us for a week's training.

"At the other end of the pitch, Bart Griemink and Craig Farr will have half a game each."

King knows supporters are anxious to hear about confirmed signings but he cannot yet tell them what they want to hear.

He said: "As I keep saying, so much of it is out of my hands. Irons are in plenty of fires but what can you say until the deals come off?"

One deal which remains very much in the balance is that involving Bolton Wanderers' midfielder David Norris.

Despite having met the player and his father last Sunday, King remains unclear about the 21-year-old's intentions.

He said: "I've had a phone call from Sam Allardyce to say he's dealing with the situation. What that means, I'll just have to wait and see."

Former reserve keeper Richard McKinney was due to play in a trial game for Colchester United today.

The Northern Ireland stopper has been training with Town while attempting to find a new club.